Page 91 of The Charm of You

“You’re right. What was I thinking?” she jokes.

I peer out the door through which the girls left. “They acted like I was a celebrity.”

“You are, especially around here. You’re Sapphire Creek royalty.”

“I’m no different than others from around here. Wake moved to LA, and Nate’s a famous travel photographer who’s been all over the world. There are plenty of others who went on to be ‘celebrities.’” I toss up air quotes around the final word.

“And we’re proud of you all. No matter how far away life takes you kids, each of you will always have a community of cheerleaders here.”

Warmth blooms in my chest as I meet her sincere expression, and a ball of gratitude clogs my throat. “Thank you, Daphne. That…” I force a swallow. “That means a lot.”

“But if you did live here, you could help me sell my house.” She taps at her screen and gives me the total amount I owe.

“Are you moving?” I gape.

“I’m moving to a smaller place,” she clarifies. “My two kids are away in college, and my husband—ex-husband—moved to Hilton Head last month. What do I need a three-bedroom house for—me and my thoughts?”

I hand her my credit card, and once I finish paying for my two items, she comes around to wrap me in a hug. “It’s so good to see you again, Sweet Caroline, and twice in one week—I love it.” She beams. “Let’s not wait another ten years before your next visit, okay?”

“Let’s not,” I agree and squeeze her back.

Suddenly, the thought of waiting so long to return rattles my heart. Now that I’m here, it doesn’t feel like I’d been away for so long to begin with. It’s hard to believe I really hadn’t walked the streets of the square, witnessed the tree lighting at Christmas, or shopped at this store since I was a teenager.

Daphne’s is where I bought the outfit I wore to the homecoming dance my senior year. It’s the first stop the girls and I made the night I got my license. I drove us here in my new car, where we shopped on our own, enjoying the first taste of adulthood. Afterward, we continued the celebration with a banana split at Quinton’s.

All night, we gushed over how grown up we were and how life wouldn’t get any better than that.

I stroll outside along the sidewalk toward my car, my feet heavy in my “super cute” leather wedges.

After the magical, albeit unexpected, week I’ve had, I can’t imagine leaving this town for another ten whole years. My life in the city is a wreck, but being here is more than just the escape I’d been seeking last week.

I’ve stepped so easily into the lifestyle around here. The comfortable pace. The friendly people.

The mechanic.

I’d be lying if I said the pull to Sapphire Creek currently tugging on my heartstrings had nothing to do with Austin Kyle.

In my car, I draw in a long breath like I’ve just finished hiking up a mountain. This day has had its ups and downs, and it’s barely three o’clock.

My phone vibrates, rattling in the cupholder with a new text. Then another and another. It sounds like an incoming call with the quick succession of vibrations.

I lower the volume on the radio and check the messages to find they’re all from Addie in a new group chat she’s created with Maren, Austin, an unknown number, and me.

ADDIE

MAYDAY.

I REPEAT: MAAAYYYYDAYYYY.

I NEED YOUR HELP.

Three more messages load after that with an address, instructions, and a list of materials she needs.

The next message is from the unknown number.

UNKNOWN

If you’re done screaming, I’d like to get back to eating chips now—I mean, my very important basketball practice. ;)

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